Nodes are caused by REPEATED episodes of either misuse, abuse, or simply
overuse. Through these behaviors the folds become inflamed and instead of
letting the folds calm down the insulting behavior is continued leading to
tissue change resulting in nodules. Nodules are very stigmatized in the
affected singer feels inadequate as a singer and/or others use this diagnosis
as a way of discounting the singer's previous successes and/or technique.
Many times the swellings are a case of not faulty technique but simple
overuse.
Many individuals who are diagnosed as having bilateral mucosal lesions suffer
from vocal overdoer syndrome but in fact sing very well, they just don't shut
up leading to swelling that take on some permanency. If you think you're
swollen, be prudent with your voice use until things calm down. Dr. Robert
Bastian developed a battery of swelling tests that involve attempting to
phonate in a rather high soft voice (falsettoish). Inability to do this is a
pretty good indication that the folds are swollen and vocal prudence should
be used.
Randy Buescher
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